Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad
Bursting with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic dish. Tender penne pasta is combined with seasoned, juicy chicken, crisp red bell peppers, sweet corn, and protein-packed black beans, creating a satisfying base for this colorful salad. A zesty cilantro-lime dressing, made creamy with mayonnaise and sour cream, ties everything together with its tangy, mildly spicy kick. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing weeknight meal, this chilled pasta salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Ready in just 40 minutes with simple pantry staples and fresh produce, it’s a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, cooked pasta, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3606 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.4 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.0 g | 115% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 532 mg | 177% | |
| Sodium | 3235 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 385.4 g | 140% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.4 g | 148% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.6 g | ||
| Protein | 211.7 g | 423% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 317 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 25.8 mg | 143% | |
| Potassium | 3744 mg | 80% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
